On the record, Nov. 5
By Casey Gillis on Nov. 05, 2008
By Bradford Brady and John Maron
Q: Can you tell me if the news about the release date for “Chinese Democracy” is real or just another false promise?
A: According to many people, including the band’s managers, the announcement last week about the new Guns N’ Roses album is the real deal. “Chinese Democracy” is scheduled to be released exclusively at Best Buy on Nov. 23. When it finally lands on the retail shelf, it will be the first album released under the Guns N’ Roses name in 17 years. In the 10 years since the first recording session for the album, Axl Rose has worked in three studios, used four different producers and reportedly spent $13 million to record “Chinese Democracy.” The album includes 14 songs, three of which have never been heard before. The other 11 songs have either been heard in concert or leaked via the Internet.
In addition to the new album, Guns N’ Roses fans will also get a treat in the form of a 20-ounce Dr. Pepper. Earlier this year, the soft drink company promised to give every American a drink if “Chinese Democracy” were released in 2008. To find out more, visit DrPepper.com on Nov. 23.
Q: What is the theme song from the TV show, “Lipstick Jungle,” and who sings it?
A: The song is called “The Bomb” and is by Bitter:Sweet. The Los Angeles-based electronic “trip-hop” duo is made up of singer Shana Halligan and producer/bassist/programmer Kiran Shahani, who is also a founding member of the Supreme Beings of Leisure, another band with similar taste in electronica. The song is featured on their second album, “Drama,” which was released this past June. Music from their first release, 2006’s “The Mating Game,” has been used in commercials for Victoria’s Secret, in the Meryl Streep film, “The Devil Wears Prada,” and on such television shows as “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Nip/Tuck.” You should be able to buy or order the album from your favorite music retailer.
Q: Could you please tell me if there is anywhere I can find the words to a hit song in 1916 by Lopez called “Nola?” That was my mother’s name, and she passed away. We both have wanted to know the words to the song and never had any luck finding it anywhere. Can you please help?
A: Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Dec. 30, 1895, to Portuguese immigrant parents, Vincent Lopez became a bandleader by 1917. By the early ’20s, he had his own radio program and would introduce each program with his catchphrase opening, “Lopez speaking!” He chose Feliz Arndt’s ragtime song, “Nola,” as his theme song. He became one of America’s best-known bandleaders. From 1941 to the early ’60s, Lopez and his band took up residence in New York City’s Taft Hotel. He later retired to Florida, where he passed away in 1975. In 1916, Arndt wrote his song, considered to be among the first “novelty piano” songs, as an engagement present for his eventual wife, Nola Locke. Before falling victim to the world-wide flu epidemic in 1918, Arndt was an influence on a young George Gershwin. We found several Web sites that listed sheet music for “Nola.” If you visit wiki.answers.com and type in “What are the lyrics to ‘Nola’ written by Felix Arndt?” you will find the lyrics.
What’s the name of that song? Where are they now? What does that lyric mean? Send questions to or visit http://www.musicontherecord.com. Brady and Maron are music writers based in Raleigh, N.C.
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